FAQs

What does MAC stand for?

It stands for Metropolitan Arts Centre but we're happy for you to call us the MAC, whichever you prefer.

What's in the MAC?

Our award-winning venue in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is home to all kinds of exhibitions, theatre performances, experimental works and endless goings-on. There are 3 art galleries and two theatres, a free family room and an award-winning restaurant - NATIVE by Yellow Door.

When did the MAC open?

The MAC opened its doors to the public on 20 April 2012.

How do I book tickets?

Online

You can book tickets anytime online.

Phone

You can phone the ticket line on 028 9023 5053 to book tickets, seven days a week from 10am-7pm.

In person

7 days a week, from 10am - 7pm.

Why are prices different?

We have two theatres at the MAC. Our 350 seater, known as Downstairs at the MAC and our 120 seater, Upstairs at the MAC.

Like airlines, our prices start low and rise the closer we get to the performance. Unlike airlines, we can guarantee that our prices will never be cheaper than they are today

Where is the MAC?

The MAC is part of Saint Anne's Square behind St. Anne's Cathedral. Our address is 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ. The main entrance is off the square, but you can also pop in via Exchange Street West.

How to get here?

We're just a stone's throw from the centre of town and easy to reach, whatever mode of transport you use.

Can I park nearby?

You can park securely at Saint Anne's Square multi-storey car park, which is on Edward Street right beside the MAC. The car park is open 24 hours. There's a special evening rate if you're going to a show of just £3.50. Otherwise, it's £1.20 an hour during the day.

Is the MAC open on Sundays?

Yes, the MAC is open on Sundays. We want the MAC to play its part in making our city centre a fun, busy and exciting place to be.

We're open seven days a week, from 10am to 7pm, or later on performance nights. As well as our shows and exhibitions, we have a range of activities, talks, tours and happenings to make sure you get the most out of your visit to the MAC.

Does the MAC have a safeguarding policy?

How is it funded?

The MAC was created with a series of investments totalling £18m. The total package was made up by significant support from Department for Culture Arts & Leisure, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Department for Social Development, Laganside Corporation and Belfast City Council, as well as contributions from charitable foundations and the business sector.

Who designed the building?

We ran an International Open Design Competition with Royal Institute of British Architects to select the team that would design the MAC. We received responses from architects from all around the world including Japan, the USA, Australia, mainland Europe, London, Dublin and of course, Belfast. Following a rigorous selection procedure Belfast-based firm Hackett Hall McKnight were appointed to lead an integrated design team to design the MAC. Hackett Hall McKnight went on to win the UK-wide Young Architect of the Year Award in October 2008.

We think they have designed a stunning building; we hope you agree.

Who built the MAC?

The MAC has been built by Bowen Mascott JV (a company owned by Mascott Construction Ltd).

Can I exhibit my work in the MAC's galleries?

The MAC's curatorial team is always interested in receiving updates from both emergent and established artists in the form of invitations, publications, e-flyers and web links. This forms part of its ongoing process of research. However, the team cannot accept unsolicited exhibition proposals and is therefore sadly unable to reply to these submissions.